Chapter 288

Early the next morning, Skylar awoke sore. Looking at the mess in the room, she rubbed her forehead.

"It's only 5:30 AM. Why not sleep a bit longer?" Joe asked from the bed.

Skylar wrapped herself in a towel and went to the closet to choose her clothes.

"I'm going to make breakfast. We had a lot of stew last night, and my stomach feels uncomfortable. You go ahead and sleep."

She blushed at the thought of the Pearlhall Residence staff finding the mess, including the unmade bed. She decided to clean up after breakfast.

When Skylar avoided his gaze, Joe teased, smiling, "Why don't you call me 'darling' anymore? I quite liked it last night."

He got out of bed and followed her to the closet.

Skylar took a deep breath. "You forced me."

"And how exactly did I force you?"

Skylar could tell Joe was in a great mood. She thought about what she'd read online about men after intimacy. It was true—they seemed to be in a good mood, both physically and emotionally, even toward women they didn't love; they became tender and gentle.

She stopped at the closet door and turned to him. Seeing his bare chest and unusually warm demeanor, she smiled brightly. Rising on her tiptoes, she quickly kissed him. "You did very well last night, darling!" she said, giving a thumbs-up.

Joe watched her, his gaze moving from her thumb to her sparkling eyes. His heart seemed to skip a beat.

Suddenly, he pulled her close, his hand on her waist. He said hoarsely, "It's still early."

Skylar saw the desire in his eyes. Recalling last night's passion, she felt anxious. "No, it's not. I need to make breakfast."

Joe ignored her and kissed her. "Save your strength for me. Don't waste it on unimportant things."

As he pulled her back onto the bed, Skylar made a final attempt to resist. "I want to drink coffee"

Joe silenced her with another kiss.

In the morning's clear light, Skylar couldn't help but be surprised by Joe's unrestrained behavior; he was usually so restrained and self-disciplined.

Skylar clocked in just one minute before work started. Thankfully, she wasn't late. Thinking back on the morning's events, her heart raced. It was all too crazy!

She went to her workspace. Before starting work, she checked her phone for the first time since morning. She still hadn't replied to Charles and Natalie.

Charles had asked who she'd had dinner with. Usually, if she said she was eating, he wouldn't push further. So why the sudden curiosity? Could it be?

"Did he see me having dinner with Joe?" she wondered. Charles and his colleagues often met at high-end restaurants or karaoke bars. It wouldn't be surprising if they'd seen her.

After considering this, she replied, "I had stew with a friend. My phone died last night, and I just remembered to reply. Charles, when I get a chance, I'll introduce you to him."